A Killer Romance by Maggie Blackburn

Author:Maggie Blackburn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CROOKED LANE BOOKS

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Mia brought in the muffins, and the four of them gathered near the coffee station as Poppy poured coffee for Summer, then herself.

“I want you all to know that we will get through this,” Summer said. “Our customers are loyal. This is generally a slow time of year. So let’s keep that in mind.”

“That’s true.” Poppy bit into a muffin.

“But this slow?” Mia gestured to the store space. Not one person was inside. It was a Monday, the day after Valentine’s Day. Maybe that was it. Maybe the Romance by the Sea days had done them in.

Summer sighed. “I’m going to speak with a friend of mine who handles PR. In fact, I spoke with her once, and she said these things usually blow over. She also said a couple of other things. One, that it’s important that none of us speak to the press. And two, it’s important that we carry on like normal.”

“Why?” Mia said. “Maybe we should just close down a few days and give the staff a break.”

“Because, Mia, people are watching. That would be totally suspicious, like admitting that Glads killed Lana.” Piper stirred sugar in her coffee.

A bell clanged, alerting them to someone entering the store. A customer! Poppy mouthed.

But when Summer turned around, she noticed Marilyn standing there with a basket full of chocolate. “Desperate times call for chocolate.”

“I can’t argue with that,” Piper said.

“Gina sent it. She’s concerned about everything. I told her I’m sure it’s going to be fine, but she insisted.” She shrugged, revealing a Virginia bluebell on her collarbone. “Who am I to argue?”

“We should send her something back.” Summer glanced around at the books. “What does she like to read?”

“I have no idea,” Marilyn said.

“Well, how about some culinary romances?” Mia asked, walking toward that section.

“Fabulous!” Poppy said. “I’ll get a gift box, and you go and pick out some books.”

Mia beamed. The assignment was right up her alley.

A lightbulb flicked on in Summer’s brain. “What other local businesses can we thank with some books?”

“The B and B, for sure,” Poppy said, grinning. “Tina loves Regency romances!”

“How about the flower shop? The flowers for the event were spectacular,” Piper said. “Sounds like we have a plan. Let’s make up some gift baskets.” Summer didn’t think it would solve their problems. It was a good-faith gesture, in any case. They always thanked local businesses, but this time it would be a bit more personal. It felt good and right. And it was perfect timing.

“Let’s put an envelope of Fatima’s tea in each basket.” Fatima, Summer’s sister, had started a company selling her handcrafted tea, and Beach Reads was one of the few places in the States that carried it. It was mostly sold internationally.

The group was soon happily sorting and packaging. It kept their minds off the lack of customers. And that was a good thing.

Summer needed to sit down, and she found her way to the chair behind the register.

“Oh! It feels good to sit.”

“Are you okay?” Poppy rushed to her.

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